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It is called the Regional Food Economic Development, or ReFED
Project. The goal is to provide business development assistance
to beginning farmers, food processors, food cooperatives and
independent grocers.
Sean Park, from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at
Western Illinois University, said a lot of the food Illinoisans
eat is from out of state and growing it here will create an
economic trickle-down effect.
“A significant portion of this demand could be produced in the
state and the region, yielding an estimated $2.5 billion in
economic activity in the region or $10 billion in our state, and
because that money is spent locally, we have a money-multiplier
effect,” Park said.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced
in December that the department was investing $981 million to
help create new and better market opportunities and expand
essential services for rural people in 47 states.
“Rural people provide the everyday essentials our country
depends on,” Vilsack said in a statement. “The partnerships
we’re announcing demonstrate USDA’s commitment to advocating for
rural business owners and building brighter futures for everyone
in rural America.”
Park is hoping to get more Illinois farmers involved with the
project. The Working Farms Fund will support a new generation of
farmers who aim to expand food production.
“What we’re looking to do is try to feed our neighbors and
farmers have taken pride in that for hundreds of years, but it
is really tough to be a farmer,” Park said.
The program begins in January and has funding for at least three
years.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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